Tihar Jail provides 35k salary package

For some time, Raju, an inmate at Tihar Jail, was a worried twenty something. He was going to be released from jail in a few months and didn't know how he would earn a livelihood. On Tuesday, though, he had reason to cheer: he got placed in a well known company as assistant manager, with a monthly package of Rs 35,000. He had graduated in social work from Ignou during his prison term.

Raju wasn't the only one: there were 65 others who received job offers during a placement drive in the jail. Altogether 31 companies turned up at the drive, inaugurated by Tihar DG Vimla Mehra. "This initiative boosts the reformation process and helps us strive towards the betterment of inmates," Mehra said, adding that Tihar recorded 100% placements this year.

The placement interviews were carried out at central jail number 3. Tihar's chief public relations officer, Sunil Gupta told TOI that 66 prisoners had been shortlisted for application for jobs on the basis of their conduct in the jail.

"The salary ranged from Rs 8,000 to Rs 35,000 per month. The posts offered to the inmates ranged from drivers to business development managers. A majority of inmates got very good packages-above Rs 2 lakh per annum," Gupta said. The candidates were groomed for the interviews by an expert. "Things like facing an interview, answering a question and the way to dress were some of the things the inmates learnt. They were also taught to write impressive resumes," Gupta added.

With this year's placement, 400 inmates have landed jobs since 2010. While the placements have doubled from last year's 30, the highest placements were recorded in 2012 with 142 jobs.